Indian health ministry reported the first case of the mpox variant, clade 1b, in Kerala, triggering a WHO public health emergency. The variant, previously identified in Congo, has caused 635 deaths. A 38-year-old patient from UAE was found with the new strain in Kerala.
55 contacts of the patient are being monitored for symptoms. India has dealt with 30 cases of an older mpox strain. Health agencies are on high alert, with thermal scanners at airports and labs ready for testing. Mpox spreads through close contact, not through the air.
The presence of the new variant raises concerns about its spread in India, prompting increased vigilance. The government is focused on sensitizing health teams and conducting tests to prevent the virus’s escalation. Unlike Covid-19, mpox does not spread easily through the air.
The discovery of the clade 1b strain in India highlights the importance of continued monitoring and preventive measures to combat the spread of the virus. Stay informed and stay safe as health officials work to contain and control the outbreak in the country.
Source link